Note: this figure of 120 follows the 130 single levels order announced earlier this year. I suspect that next year or the year after we will see another order for both types of cars to meet the Amtrak fleet strategy plan. It states about 70 single levels and 65 bi- levels per year to be ordered.
This present orders is for 2 years delivery.
Tilt capability is not significant for Illinois; but infrequent 1-deg curve speed reductions would need to be made from 110-mph on CHI-STL Corridor. Assuming 3.25" cant for 70-mph intermodals, bi-level cars would be restricted to 95-mph; and recovery would take a few miles. Less than 10 minutes might be lost overall compared to a tilting Talgo. Quincy and Carbondale would be little affected for 80 mph.
Michigan is another story where frequent, successive curves would limit speed between Kalamazoo and Dearborn. Predominant 1.5-deg curves would require 3.75" cant for 80 mph for Amtrak bi-levels if NS would allow it.. A Talgo could do 102-mph with the same cant. Some 2-deg curves would need a problematic 5.75" cant for 80-mph bi-levels while a Talgo could do 85-mph with only 3" cant. Existing cant was reduced for moderate Conrail secondary freight route train speeds; and Michigan faces much more costly curve modification to enable faster service rather than acquiring tilting trains.
I also do not see the California-type bi-level being the best solution for the Hiawatha service which I have written about previously. Track capacity is constrained in the rush hour; and the cost of a third express track for as many as 8 trains does not seem warranted, and certainly not for the 2 existing trains. I have suggested a combined Metra express and Amtrak Hiawatha where Chicago suburban stops would serve both Metra and Wisconsin-oriented commuters that makes for effective use of existing track capacity. #330 and #339 already take 10 min longer; so why not make that productive and accommodate more commuters? This can be facilitated with Nippon-Sharyo gallery cars fitted for both Amtrak with reduced seating and Metra - like the C&NW Bi-Level 400s - so this is not a radical idea but one that worked before.
CSSHEGEWISCH I don't think that the bi-levels would be Superliners. They would probably be similar to the various California cars assigned to the Surfliners, Capitol Corridor and San Joaquins.
I don't think that the bi-levels would be Superliners. They would probably be similar to the various California cars assigned to the Surfliners, Capitol Corridor and San Joaquins.
CSS: You are correct. there is a joint committee of commuter agencys that worked out the interior layout of these bi-levels. The recommendation was to make the intorior very similar to the present California cars. That will give compatibility and interchange capability for all these orders and follows the Amtrak fleet plan published earlier.
see http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer/Page/1241245669222/1241245669129
under fleet plan
However the exterior and all auxillaries will be the same as the next Amtrak order for Superliner additions / replacements. One difference may be 2 doors on each side vs. 1 for Amtrak but that is not set in stone yet for Amtrak.
CSS: You are correct. there is a joint committee of commuter agencys that worked out the interior layout of these bi-levels. The recommendation was to make the intorior very similar to the present California cars. That will give compatibility and interchange capability for all these orders and follows the Amtrak fleet plan published earlier. However the exterior and all auxillaries will be the same as the next Amtrak order for Superliner additions / replacements. One difference may be 2 doors on each side vs. 1 for Amtrak but that is not set in stone yet for Amtrak.
jeaton None of the Chicago hub regionals use Superliners, so they won't be providing anything for the LD trains.
None of the Chicago hub regionals use Superliners, so they won't be providing anything for the LD trains.
Jeaton: Thanks: I guess that I was reflecting on the substitution that Amtrak did on some winter days replacing Horizon with SLs. So that being the case I guess that the Horizons will be going some place?? Anyone with any ideas?? Cannot believe any regional manager would want them on any of his routes?? maybe some to a daily Sunset SAS = NOL??
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Pls excuse the posting many errors. borrowed computed has a mind of its own. Note: also 8 locos to wash state and one additional talgo set.
Some one who is aware now of what routes in the midwest use superliners and the number can give a guess as to how many superliners will come available from this order replacing them and their reassignment to various LD trains including auto train. I believe California also uses about 5 SLs on their trains??
http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/fra-releases-loco-and-rolling-stock-grants.html
fra announced grants to purchase both locomotives [ fast acceleration type ? ] and 120 bi-level cars.
California 6 locos 42 passenger cars
illinoois and mid - west 12 locos 30 passenger cars
michigan 7 locos 48 cars
Of course these are just allocated numbers. Am sure they will be interchanged and maybe even one or more trains will run thru. maybe a real start for HrSr????
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